Solum Reign discussion

Here the Kralitsa will delegate new laws and make judgements upon criminals of great severity. At her left her eldest son will sit. The Eldest son, the Ruhtinas, has no say in such things, but he is allowed to advise his mother.
The Eldest daughter, the Korona Banphrionsa, will sit at her mother's right hand side and will have say in many things.
Some judgements will come to vote. The immortal's heart is weighed against a purity spell. Should the weight waiver in the purity spells favor the entire hall will come to a vote on punishment or law restrictions.

Aeson sat in his seat at the closest part on the left side to the Kralista where a large number of the council was gathered.
Damian was not on the left throne of his mother and Severity was not on the right side of her mother. The Kralista sat alone as bickering coming from both female and male nobles of the kingdom stirred the hall. It was even greater as the scale behind the thrones tipped in favor of darkness rather than light.
Lukas entered unannounced behind him Jakub and four guards carrying his chains. Lukas made it to the final scarlet square before the Kralista and it was this point that the Scales tipped to evaluate a single soul and not the entire balance of Light and Dark. Lukas was registered almost instantly as the light rose almost tipping the scale completely. Lukas had never truly been in this part of the Palace before and it made him feel unnerved as he watched the scale tip not understanding the shadow orb of magic in one scale and the light orb of magic in the other. "Kralista, we have the Witch of Xuin and I have valuable information stating he is far to weak to cast magic from long exposure to the cold mountains of Xuin. His element is Fire and I warn you now to keep your eyes not upon him but the guards around him." He said coldly not feeling that Jakub would try anything so much as the guards would attempt to harm Jakub. Jakub and his guards stayed behind Lukas on the long scarlet strip.

Himeko sat in contrast to her throne, dressed in cream and gold silks, looking for all the world like an altogether being from a different plain. Feet daintily crossed at the ankle she evaluated the situation before her, it would seem the guards held hostile intent towards her unwanted guest, that much was true, but if they knew who's blood ran through his veins they would have no choice but to abandon their feelings. With a regal flick of her wrist she beckoned Lukas to bring Jakub up the first three steps for closer inspection. He would not get out of the chains that much she was sure. She eyed her guards with a flint like look which made them back up three paces so they were not within reach of her grandson. "I assume you understand your situation and why you are here. Forgive my informal address but given the circumstances time is of the essence and formality will have to wait. For now, Damian, I have questions that need answers and you are the only one standing between me and the end of this war. So do tell, why have you strayed so far from your fortress and why is it Dominus Markus feels the need to have your blood stain the forgiving earth?" She asked, eyes like diamonds as she stared the boy down.

Lukas stood next to Jakub who was still shivering cold from being exposed bare to the icy mountains. He was pale and looked deathly even for an immortal. Lukas felt bad for the guy but at the same time didn't trust him. Jakub began to wonder if he was to step on the scarlet square behind him what would the scales show. The guards cracked their knuckles watching the traitor closely. Jakub looked into the sharp stare of the Kralista. "Kralista of Ӕldingar...I have betrayed the Dominus, my father. Upon the realization that your daughter was my mother, I realized I could not be ruled over by a liar to his own blood. He led me to believe that my mother was the one assassinated the one who never took a liking to me and admitted to me being her least favorite child. For almost a year now I have plotted with great detail on overthrowing the three leaders of Xuin and taking up rulership with the daughter of the Arbiter. I have refused to succumb to darkness and become a Vampire. I have pledged silently to myself that I was born a Witch and will remain such no matter what magic may challenge to change me I will deny it's power. I am the only Witch born of Xuin who has chosen my path. I looked to overthrow my father and I placed him into an eternal sleep using The Curse of Sol. He was awoken and realized my betrayal and I was to face my punishment only so that my father's tyranny may end at last. I failed in my mission and my father once awakened by myself I was banished given only the garments I wore." He gestured raising hsi changed wrist to his pants which were torn and dirty now. His shirt had been burned away during the ordeal with Valentine. "Whatever punishment either kingdoms ees fit I will accept as for questioning...I will give you every ounce of information that I can provide to you just to ensure my father's demise and that xuin shall see the light at last." He offered bowing his head in respect. Many whispers from the council including Aeson spread through the hall as they began to understand that jakub was of royal blood not just to Xuin but to Ӕldingar as well."
a noblewoman stood and addressed everyone, "How can we trust this traitor, my Kralista? He says he betrayed his own kingdom and has been a Witch his entire life, but how can we not foresee this as a trap? He could very well be the key to allowing Xuin's armies directly into the heart of our kingdom without challenge or effort!" Her voice was broken with more whispers.

Himeko was not pleased by her guards outright show of disapproval in her grace. Everyone was on edge for a witch of Xuin had entered Eldingar, but like Lukas he was pushed into darkness but came out on the side of light. She had been watching the situation carefully and what the boy said was true. He had done everything he was now confessing. "Yes I know of your act of the final hours you spent in Xuin. What you say is true, that much I am sure though I cannot trust you yet for I know of Markus's deceiving and manipulative nature." She told him, eyes snapping to the voiced concern of a noblewomen. Putting up a hand the whispered ceased. "I understand your concern, but I have watched him, what he has just confessed is true. If you so wish for him to prove his words then he shall confess the secrets and weaknesses of Xuin right now in this room. It is true he could be a very useful ploy, but as such darkness has not stolen onto our lands yet since our guests arrival which means they have not found a secure way it and they have not used him as a beckon. As such the Dominus was willing to have his own blood killed, his men even put up a fight when we obtained Damian. So therefore it cannot be a reuse especially as the boy has such damning information to give us in return for his survival." She addressed her people, her gaze returning to Damian. "How many does he have at his disposal and when does he plan on dispatching them to Eldingar, if at all considering he has my daughter which was his goal in the first place?" She wondered. "Do tell what weaknesses does such evil hold?"

Jakub stood straightening his form even as weak as he looked out of his element for just a short amount of time he was willing to confess. "The Dominus of Xuin has tens of thousands of pawns at his disposal. He plays war like chess and he will sacrifice as many as he can to ensure that all of his enemies are disposed of. The Dominus has been known for his cruelty, but not nearly as much as the Arbiter. With both pushing forces from every corner of Solum and lands beyond I can promise that your only security from the armies is here. He holds a heavy hand of power over Vada and the king bows to Markus and Valentine sacrificing any number of men to Markus to ensure his kingdom is untouched by war." Jakub explained not feeling any guilt about sharing his father's secrets. "His power is so immense in the dark arts that he could forge an attack on his own. Demons themselves from the world of gods bow to his will and their destructive power is even greater than Markus' own. However, his soul has become so shadowed he does hold weaknesses, such weaknesses only exist in the land of gods and demons, but he does have them. My father can be slain through the means of a particular metal all of which can only be found in Xuin. The kingdom itself is not as heavily guarded as one would think. Lycans roam the halls commanded by their masters during their slumber of stone during the horus of Sol, but if you could break the bonds between Lycans and their Vampires you could easily gain alliance. Most would be more than willing to aid anyone against the Vampires if powerful magics didn't bind them to their masters. Lycans outnumber Vampires five to one. My father's allies unfortunately exceed my knowledge. I have only heard parts of what he has informed me during his push to make me ruler in his stead. He wishes to attack in the one day that is darkest for the longest. He draws his power the greatest from the rare eclipse that last ten days. It will be during this rare eclipse that Markus will summon forth every dark creature known to man and then some to come forth from all corners of the earth to strike down your kingdom." Jakub said finally thinking about his own insiders, "There is a Witch prince of Vada...Apparently no one in Vada knew of it, but Gabriel is infact a Witch. In your tongue he may be considered a halfbreed, but he is a Witch a powerful one at that. I also hold secret alliances with my father's own Lycan who was and is the only born Lycan. He is trapped by powerful magic and knows only servitude. I have attempted to allow him freedom but my father's magic is far too powerful to e challenged by my own. I have had to use my wits more than power to get around my father's vision of my betrayal before now."

((Ooh you should tell her about Amelia and about her birth or something and how she had no choice in being a vampire))

((Sure which charrie?))

((Jakob should tell))

((Oh okay sure np...just post here what you want him to talk specifically about because he doesn't know everything abotu her past.))

((Yeah he does. Remember in the corridor when he asked her to join his cause? She told him then.))

((have to post tomorrow sorry gtg))

((Here's a link to her telling him. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...))

Himeko knew that Markus had traded his soul but to this extent she hadn't realised. How far was he willing to go and did it involve sacrificing himself and her daughter both, even if unwilling. Even if Markus could control demons, demons were still in their own right gods of the darkness and had minds of their own. It would only take a chink to appear in Markus's control and he'd be eaten alive and there would be no ridding the world of the demons he had summoned. This worried her to great extent. Vada was done for and even an unsteady alliance now would be useless considering how blinded they must be now. Darkness was infecting those around Eldingar faster than she could save them. "Where can we get this special metal?" She asked in thought, figuring most lycans had been forced unwillingly into such a bond. If she could get word to them that she could in fact sever their binds and set them free she would hold more people in arms than the vampires. Her eyes widened at the mention of the eclipse. "Sol's Slumber." She whispered her fear confirmed. Darkness was by far becoming greedy to the point of turning the world void of light. All this was valuable information but if what the boy said was true, there was very slim chance of any plan working. Most of what they needed was in the grasps of Xuin. "How would you propose I take what I need from under Markus's nose and use his weapons against him?" She asked, curious if the boy knew of anyway of secretly infiltrating and stealing his means of fight. "Of course you are of no use in using as a messenger, spy or deliverer. You say all of what I need to defeat him is behind his walls, it means nothing if I cannot use it. What other means would you say I can use to take him down?" She asked, finding this confirmation far more daunting than she had thought. "Sol's Slumber is three days away, time is far more strict with me than I may like so it is of essence that you divulge all."

Jakub did not hesitate to lighten some of the load off of the Kralista. "I have more than one simple ally there, Your Majesty. Valentine's own daughter who I chose to rule beside of me had I succeeded in overthrowing the darkness of my father. Her mother was a Vampire. One of the first before their banishment. She seduced Valentine who as you know was an esteemed inventor in this kingdom. Valentine was tricked into becoming a Vampire shortly after the birth of his daughter. She was forced to turn by Valentine's own power as an infant. he has never shown care or love to her and she agreed to join me in my fight against the leaders of Xuin. Valentine killed her mother out of rage and was tempted to kill her. She believes herself in debt to him, but I think I have her convinced otherwise as she believes that without Valentine you would have killed her for being the daughter of Vampires. I informed her that a chance could be made if she would show that she is fighting the dark that was placed upon her against her will. Amelia could easily get close to the Dominus. The metal is apart of a blade he had forged into a sword. From the sky stone of blue fire struck by lightening thrice. Should this blade pierce the skin of the Dominus he will be set into an eternal slumber that not even Sol himself could master up. Amelia could possibly be the one to retrieve this blade and bring it here. She is not powerful enough to challenge the Dominus herself..." He was quickly interrupted by another astounded council member, "He is asking us to bring in another member of Xuin into our fortification. We cannot truly be considering such antics from a prince of such a dark place!?"
Jakub stood straighter now and more dominant as he turned still bound in his chains, "If you truly want to defeat the one man who dares t challenge your love for all that is good and light in this world you will take my advice. Otherwise everyone and everything you hold dear will be destroyed in the blink of an eye." He turned back to the kralista with a low bow, "Forgive me...Amelia can be trusted, I promise you this. she is only dark for what has been cursed upon her. Internally she holds light allow your own scales to prove this as I have noticed they weigh the darkness and light balance within individuals and the universe." He nodded to the giant scales behind the thrones. I also have credible knowledge that a Lycan in Xuin possesses a powder form of this very metal." He said hopeful this information that he has shared would assist the Kralista. "In truth as I said Xuin is not heavily guarded. Your best course of action would not to allow the fight to come here, but to bring the fight to them." Lukas started looking shocked at Jakub's words tot eh Kralista. To leave their home in order to fight would be against all that the Witch culture has believed in since the beginning of Ӕldingar's creation.

Himeko could see the boy was of every use and could see in both body and mind that he had whipped clean the darkness around him long ago. She listened contemplating her next move, because her words should not be taken lightly. From the brash and insulting interruption she found her eyes roaming the room noticing distrust among many. "My good people, you fail to remember that those forced into lycan slavery were once mortals and those forced into vampirism were witches. You are saying here and now you would turn away those that reached out willingly, seeking redemption and light... not many get the chance or have the will power to do so, but to reply with a helping hand would gain more allys." She told them, looking to Jakub. "Though boy, you may be of great use but you may still have lingering darkness as may your friends. I cannot allow darkness, not matter how small into my kingdom. But I am willing to cleanse you and your friends if they are to truly and with whole hearted honour help us in defeating Markus." She told him. "So as an example you will remain in chains until you are flush with light. Until then you will contact young Amelia and have her steal this metal, then she will be brought here. We will sever the forced bonds of servitude and by then it will be too late because by the time Markus realises it, it will be too late for him to notice he is surrounded by the enemies he made."

((lol I get it I have a lot of charries...lol...you keep mixing Jakub and Damian up...lol))

Jakub bowed not abotu to entertain the idea of releasing him from his chains, "Thank you for your kind mercy, Kralista." Unfortunately, Jakub was not alive long enough to know who the Kralista was so simply Kralista would have to suffice. She seemed like a wonderful leader who was not swayed by her council so much as she would reason with their reasoning to create compromise. jakub always wanted to be the leader that she was. He couldn't have thought of it any other way. she was perfect at gathering peoples fears and turning her own choices into rational settling of fears. "I hope soon, Kralista we can unite both Xuin and Ӕldingar as free kingdoms of the menacing shadow of Vampires who flourish in darkness." He stepped back from the Kralista dn Lukas bowed with Jakub in sequence before grabbing Jakub by the arm and leading him to the back of the hall where they would await further instruction from the Kralista once the war council was over. As Jakub and Lukas stood outside of the doors the hall was surprisingly silent but for the Kralista's voice. No one else was challenging her. Jakub knew it was his own presence that put them all on edge.

(( sorry it's because I keep thinking of them in the coven groups. I'll try and look my posts over better. My bad ))

((lol it's no big deal...you are good...Yeah Coven died out rather quickly and I have no clue why..most groups do of mine, so I just keep making new ones. You are the only person in almost all my groups that remains active with me lol. Thanks ^_^))

Himeko gave a nod of recognition to Jakub, watching as the retreated, knowing action had to be taken now. She would have to discuss strategy with her council members now. Time was far from being on their side. In fact she wondered why balance was still allowing such greed. As the doors closed her eyes roamed her council members and they began the meeting. What was most apparent was that a war could not be won from being a shut in. This new information meant the only way in was through Jakub's friends and ally's, it seemed it was Markus's only chink in his armour and to split said armour to get to the heart they would have to ruin him from the inside. Though the worry for her daughters safety came above all the rest, but that was her motherly instinct speaking. She would win this war and save her daughter in one if it was possible, losing her seemed nearly an implausible thought right then. Once the council was over, most were in agreement to using Jakub's insiders, but his friends would need a bit of a helping hand. Her council left and she descended the steps from her throne and wet to meet the boy. After such discussions she would need to see her son. Any longer and the choice would wain. "Jakub." She murmured, wondering how much the boy knew. "Follow me, we are going to have a small discussion in my chambers." She told him, knowing Aeson and Lukas would follow like loyal pups.

Jacob wrote: "((lol it's no big deal...you are good...Yeah Coven died out rather quickly and I have no clue why..most groups do of mine, so I just keep making new ones. You are the only person in almost all my g..."

(( lol welcome. I think we just have to find more active detailed players. Some people can be on all the time but write really short really dull posts that go nowhere. Where as all the good ones aren't on enough and forget. It's so annoying cause it seems to be happening in similar groups of mine. Why are all the good Rpers so hard to find and keep!))

((IKR!!!!))((Yeah and also I'm sorry I keep using similar to the same names with most of my charries it's just hard for me to find new names that I can take a liking to and be used to using them fluently.))

Jakub nodded as Lukas released him as he willingly followed the Kralista. Lukas took the personal liberty to discreetly loosen Jakub's shackled legs. Jakub walked a bit easier now behind the Kralista and Aeson followed walking with a new form of dominance as if to show that he wasn't about to take crap from anyone including the son of the Dominus of Xuin. Lukas walked behind Jakub almost out of protective instinct to ensure Aeson didn't treat him the way he treated Lukas.
They made it up into the Kralista's quarters as Lukas held the door open for both the Kralista and Jakub and he wanted to hold it for Aeson but something told him to keep hsi distance. "Forgive me Kralista..." Jakub interrupted the long silence once in the privacy of her quarters. "Why discuss matters with someone who could be considered a fugitive privately? Even with your guards present." He knew nothing of the Gemal and he presumed Lukas to be a nicer guard.

(( I know what you mean. I'm really picky about names for my Charries. I'll move this to her room ))

((ok i posted))

(( Coolio just about to post ))

Damian was brought in with chains on his wrist and neck. He was being walked with three linked chains to three guards like some animal. Many gasped in fear of what this was abotu. "He is a royal." Some had whispered. "What has our monarchy come to?" Others agreed.
Damian was placed on the center square where the scales would weigh his light. He was forced to bow before his mother's throne as he was down on one knee the scales began to waiver and the end with the orb of light dropped significantly proving that light weighed the most. This brought even more gasps as so many became confused as to why he was even here.

Himeko sat with a heavy heart on her throne, over looking the scene before her. She knew what the scales showed but that would not help him, for he had to be judged fairly like any other, royal or not. She would not lie to her people, they were not stupid. She heard the whispers and put up her hand to quiet the council. "Ruhtinas Damian, you understand why you have been brought here under the scrutiny of the council so I will waste no time in dolling out judgement. You are here under the treasonous acts of murder and attempted murder of Jin and myself." She murmured. "To the council I say, that the Ruhtinas did admit to killing Jin and boldly attempted to do the same to myself, however, it was brought to my attention that he was under the influence of a demon and was not in control of his actions. I did rid him of said demon and stripped him of power and returned him to his natural state. Though there is no evidence and as the scales contradict, such acts need to be rightfully brought to light and given a just sentence, so I ask, my fellow council members what you feel is the right punishment for such actions?" She wondered, awaiting the debate to begin.

Damian downed his head simply knowing deep down that punishment was death. Everyone in the hall began whispering out their thoughts and began to all come to a number of conclusions. Damian awaited the moment of choice. a member in the far back stood, "Kralitsa Himeko as a representative twenty two members of the council vote him guilty and he should suffer death under the act of which he was vulnerable to darkness and he could be vulnerable again." Whispers broke loose. Then a woman from the other side closer to the thrones stood, "Your majesty under the laws and orders of our kingdom death is not the punishable act that needs to be made for such things. Forty-five members of the council vote him innocent and have declared his punishment served in one years time should the light remain we feel he should be granted his power once more." More hostile whispers broke loose and then a third stood on the same side. "Fifty-five members of the council decree his powers cleansed and returned to him for his mind was unconscious of his actions which were controlled and provoked through a demon." On the other side in the center stood a woman. "Kralitsa sixty-eight members of the council order his immortality stripped for he is impure to be an Immortal Witch and that he be banished to the far ends of our boarders into the moors."
Finally another woman stood beside of her..."Your majesty, Kralitsa Himeko...We ten members of this council feel you should take into consideration each of these sentences and vote as you see fit with the aid of two trusted advisors of your own choosing." There was nothing but total and utter silence as all eyes including the guards were on Himeko.

Himeko felt the stabbing weight of her choice. It was crucial she choose something that would appease everyone, well at least almost everyone, not everyone would be happy but no one could argue either. Taking a deep breath she nodded, looking down at her son with a hard gaze, weighing her options. Though her advisors were not where she wanted them, one was in a cell and the other was in Xuin and Lukas wasn't qualified. "I understand your rulings and appreciate your input." She told her council. "There is no easy answer but I say that the Ruhtanis will keep his immortality. Yes he is vulnerable to the darkness, but then everyone in this room including myself are vulnerable. His power has already been stripped, however, I shall forth width return his power to him with a spell cap. If he should attempt to use his power for any reason other than in the name or light he will immediately be stripped of power and immortality. But with each passing year if he continues to remain in the light, bit by bit his power will return to its full potential." She told her council, looking around the room. "Please vote in favour or against my proposal for his judgement to be passed."

It seemed everyone or almost everyone voted in favor on one side while the other voted against the Kralitsa's proposal. A woman stood it was the same woman who declared the vote of the sixty-eight members. "As result being so cut in half we have all voted that you acquire two advisors of your choosing to dictate upon the choices we have provided for Damian's sentence." The council nodded in light whisper's of agreement. "Should you not have the available resources to conduct such advisors both sides of the voting shall pick one for you." She told the Kralitsa. "We ask for a recess of this judgement for one hour. Until the sun's peak at the mountain falls." No one seemed to wait for the Kralitsa to say anything. It was as if she lost order when she set her son before her. They rose and exited their stands to leave the throne room.

Himeko couldn't believe there had been an equal voting for and against, though she didn't blame them, this was no ordinary judgment they were passing. It was her son after all, though right now he had about the same power and rights as any mortal or witch. She could not argue with her council as she did not have any advisors at this time and they knew it. She didn't say a word and let the council leave, taking her stand as she too walked away, giving a last look to her son. In an hours time they would have a verdict.

Damian frowned staying where he was the guards holding him steady. "enjoy your time up here here, Ruhtinas...you won't be having much longer." One joked coldly as the Kralitsa walked off. Damian knew that this was it...hE was going to be sentenced to death for sure now if his mother didn't find someone to council with her.

Himeko knew her council would be just but she would not have her son executed, that was not punishment, that was a final ending. Even with Lukas she didn't have another and Jakub wasn't trusted as it was, nor had he been taken in truly. Though she knew it was her only option right now. She called Lukas and Vivian to her council, it was all she had. They would be weighed in her favour of light so it would be a just council. After the hour was up they were all called back. "In the interest of the council I have gathered two members to council with me. However, I would be interested in what conclusion you have come up with before I do council."

Lukas stood where Aeson or Damian normally would. The council members talked among themselves ebfore the same woman stood. "We have decided if the advisors are unable to decide that we agree upon him being allowed his Immortality, but the boy still be banished to the moors for a term of sixteen full moon cycles. If he proves still loyal to our kingdom he will be rewarded his power and his position as a royal once more."
Damian could not face that fte either for he knew what lurked in the moors was what turned him to darkness to begin with. He would never be able to face such punishment and return to claim his powers.

Himeko bristled at the prospect of her son being sent back into the jaws of darkness. She knew now what lurked there, though it still seemed unthinkable to her. She nodded in understand and looked between Lukas and Vivian, lowering her voice as they convened. "We know what lurks in the moors, he cannot be allowed back. We should agree to keep his immortality, what do you think at the weighted debate of his powers?" She wondered, waiting for Lukas and Vivian to offer up their ideas.

Lukas looked between Damian and the council nervously, "Kralitsa, I don't feel qualified for such a thing I expect that this should be decided by you and Vivian. Were it me...I would cleanse his powers if at all possible and grant them back to him. He clearly is better and the council aren't fully aware of the extent of which he was controlled nor do they understand the painstaking time that went into curing him of the darkness.

Vivian closed her eyes as she carefully thought of how she would give her verdict to Himeko. "The boy should keep his Immortality," she said at last. "His powers should only be returned to him, should he prove in th coming months that he is no longer under the control of darkness." She continued with, "On the night of the full moon, he should stand on the scales. Should it continue to point towards the light, he will revive more of his power back. Should it waver towards darkness, he will receive none of his powers that month." She met Himeko and Lukas's eyes. "This is what I think."

Himeko looked to Lukas with a sigh. "Lukas, you are the only other person that is qualified at this moment. I know this is not normal for you, but right now this judgement is crucial. From what the council have judged he will be sent to the moors and from what Damian has told me the moors would send him back into that demons grip. "However, to appease the council I cannot be just cleanse him, it would be seen as unfair. He needs punishment but not as harsh." She told Lukas, looking to Vivian, nodding in agreement. "I agree, Lukas do you agree to Vivian's suggestion?"

Lukas nodded, "I agree with Vivian. Wait until the next cycle of the moon to start and in a matter of three months when the full moon comes if he is still in the light then he should be given bits of hsi power back..even now we should grant him with some otherwise he won't be able to protect himself should the darkness come again. During thsi time of having little power I feel we should strip hsi title from him until his term is up and then reward him with power again. Perhaps make him learn some sort of meaning from this and have him work in the palace as a servant. A form of community service." Lukas offers. "It is a punishment but not nearly to the degree of casting him from your sight and back into the darkness."

Himeko mulled the suggestions over and nodded in understanding, finding them good suggestions. She took a breath and looked to her council. "My council and I have decided that the Ruhtinas will be forth width be stripped of his current title and in return work within the palace as a form of redemption for his crimes. He will be given a small portion of power as of now to defend himself against attacks but not enough to cause harm. In three months time he will be judged by the scales, if he wavers towards darkness, his power will be stripped. However, if continues to be in favour of light after ever weighing he will slowly be granted power and hopefully by the end his title once more." She told her council. "Does this satisfy?"

Damian felt his punishment was not sounding adequate to his crimes and hsi mother would e lucky to hold side with the council, but he continued to bow hsi head in shame hoping that some form of mercy would be shown. The woman stood again..."Kralitsa, your judgement does not go unchallenged by our multitude, therefore the vote of your judgement has been placed in agreement to those in favor having 173 votes for your arrangement. Making votes 27 to be against you. It is decided and decreed that Damian Fujioka will no longer be in terms as a Ruhtinas and shall serve time working within the palace. His rejuvenated powers are to be cleansed before the minor returns made for him and he will be placed subject to the scales of light and darkness every three months." The council made murmurs of agreement and all stood for the closing addressing of the Kralitsa.

Himeko didn't realise she'd been holding her breath until her council came back with a verdict of agreement to her proposal, mentally relaxing but physically keeping up appearances of a very other worldly leader. "Very well." Was all she replied, standing herself as she looked to all her council members, giving a respected nod in return. They were all dismissed as she looked down at the guards, flicking her hand as a gesture to rid him of his chains. He was all powerless at the moment and could do no more harm than any mortal, but if he was to receive power she'd need to cleanse what she'd taken first. "Set Damian up with the usual accommodation of the servants here and get him ready with whichever jobs are in demand." She told the guards, giving a fleeting look of relief and sorrow to her son before walking out. "You will receive your rationed power in an hour, do not be alarmed when you do." She called over her shoulder.

Damian was helped up and led out behind the Kralitsa. He said no words keeping his head down. He was lucky to be alive, but from the sounds of it. He wouldn't be able to accomplish his dream of exploring the lands until he was relieved of his duties as a servant and given his title back.

Lukas followed and walked by the Kralitsa. "Ma'am...You made a wise choice...I only hope the darkness now fades from your husband. "He siad not sounding at all sorry, but he had reason to hold a grudge. He could be sympathetic to the Kralitsa, however. "Perhaps we visit Jakub and see how he is holding up? I mean after what had happened I'm sure he is facing shock right now."

Himeko walked down the marble hall, hearing the echo of her lonely walk bounce off the silence and reverberate through her frazzled mind. Her son was safe for now, but all was not well and she felt like she was losing more than her family. She knew her son would be disheartened by his sentence but it was the best she could do to ensure he was safe until the war was over. Her heart lurched at the mention of Aeson, eyes thrashing with a storm of a thousand cries. "Of course, the boy is probably dazed from his near death experience. We must also make the next link soon, so checking his state would be wise." She agreed, lost in her own thoughts though her stance never changed. A witch on a mission.

((I'll have to make one...))

Himeko sat on her throne wearing fine red silk, ankles crossed at the heels as she waited, watching as an array of people entered the throne room and strangely one look told her who was who and she offered them all a warm and welcoming smile, noticing they were looking a little worse for ware. The guards looked on edge as they escorted their guests in but could tell none of them were a threat. She looked to the guards and they took measured steps back away from the group before her. "I see you have had a long and arduous journey. I appreciate your efforts to get here." She told them, beckoning them closer. "My men tell me you have a gift from Xuin that may aid us in this war." She wondered sweetly. "Would you be so kind as to share such a gift?" She had to see the sword, to make sure it was real and to keep it in safe hands. "I apologies for being so forward upon our first meeting but you can understand time is a pressing matter and pleasantries will have to be put on hold for now." She told them, taking a stand as she made her way down the steps to stand before the group.

Amelia took a step forward, holding the sword tightly in her hand. Her skin was pale, even for a vampire and she had a haggard appearance. Her hair and dress were singed from lightning. "Kralitsa, here is the sword that you asked me to retrieve for you." Her speech was slurred slightly from her partial elongated fangs. She didn't even have the power to see the emotions of those around her.

Gabriel was quick to bow and happy that he and Annabelle were out of that horrible place safely. He looked to Irina and Kayne both didn't look much better than himself or Amelia. What struck him next was Jakub who entered the hall quickly to stand by the Kralitsa. "Kralitsa...Might I request permission to question the appearance of my sister, Irina?" He said bowing his head in a respectful nod. Aeson sat in the stands clearly much better than the insanity he showed when in the moors. Damian stood in the back behind the throne and in the shadows with his arms crossed as he watched everyone closely. Lukas stood beside hsi queen with his hands crossed and awaiting some order. He was quick to move forward and retrieve the sword from Amelia and turn with a ow on one knee to his Kralitsa.

((k))

Irina did not bow as Gabriel did. She seemed to be fairing ever so slightly better than her vampire companion, but that was only because her arm had taken the brunt force of the attack. Having made a makeshift thing from yet more of her torn clothing, Irina looked like some forest warrior in hole filled, jagged material. Her arm was slowly getting better but she was going to need blood to quicken the pace. The thought still didn't sit right with her. Barely managing to contain a snarl at hearing her brother had entered the room, she turned to look at him with penetrating eyes. "You could always just ask me yourself. I am not a statue who is to be seen and not spoken to. If you want information about me, you query me directly," she snapped at him fiercely. Now was not the time for her to be looking at her beloved brothers murderer, as whether the deceased was blood or not, the vampire still treated her better than anyone until Jakub killed him. And who was he to think he was all mighty when she was older than him anyhow? Everything about Jakub rubbed her the wrong way, yet she calmed herself down and stepped forward to steady Amelia with her free hand. Speaking with a softer tone of care and kindness, Irina said, "Sit down, Amelia. Before you fall down."